10 Ways To Be Supportive

Relationships aren’t all fun and games. Life happens and one of you will be bound to lose a loved one, have a sick family member, etc. Being a good partner means standing by through good times and bad. The good times are easy to handle. Here are some tips on how to be supportive through tough times:

1.      Listen. Let them know right away that you’re there for them if and when they want to talk. When that time comes, free yourself from distractions and really let them vent by listening and giving them your full attention.

2.      Acknowledge the situation. People often feel awkward or they don’t know what to say in times of crisis. Don’t pretend that nothing happened. Acknowledge the situation, say that you’re sorry for what they’re going through, or even admit that you don’t quite know what to say. Any of these are better than saying nothing.

3.      Offer distraction. When they’re ready you can be there to take them out for pizza, go to a movie or anything else to get their mind off of things.

4.      Offer to help. Can you help make any arrangements? Do any errands? Bring over takeout? Show that you care by offering to lighten their load.

5.      Help them remember the positives. When they get down about a tough situation you can be there to talk with them to remember good memories or find a silver lining.

6.      Help with the little things. Without asking, take charge and pick up notes from classes they’ve missed, or anything else that will be helpful. Chances are they’ll forget all about those little details if they’re distracted by a crisis and they’ll be grateful that you’re looking out for them.

7.      Treat them. Now is the time to go the extra mile to make them feel special and loved. Buy their favorite flower or bring them their favorite dessert, just because.

8.      Give them space. If they need a bit of breathing room, give it to them and don’t take it personally.

9.     Treat them normally. They’ll need your support but the last thing they want is your pity or you treating them like a victim. Try to treat them the same way you always do.

10.Don’t make it about you. Tell them that you can only imagine what they’re going through. Or if you can relate, say so. But leave it at that. Don’t launch into stories about the time you experienced the same thing. This isn’t about you.